SPRINGFIELD – Tax Day may be Democrats’ favorite day, but Republicans say for Illinois families, it is another reminder of how much they are being squeezed.
In a news release, House Republicans point out that while working families are tightening their belts and trying to make ends meet, Governor Pritzker and House Democrats are piling on more tax hikes this legislative session.
As Governor Pritzker looks for ways to pay for a budget that spends $1 billion more than last year, House Democrats have filed a number of new taxes on families and businesses, including:
- HB 4459 – Campfire Tax
- HB 5112 – Bag Tax
- HB 4414 – Ammo Tax
- HB 2996 – Cell Tower Tax
- HB 4894 – Digital Ad Tax
And that is all on top of the crushing tax burden Illinois families and businesses already face. Illinois homeowners pay the highest property taxes in the country, and WalletHub says Illinois has the highest overall tax rates in the nation.
Since taking office Governor Pritzker has enacted 49 tax and fee hikes. Last year alone, he signed a budget with $700 million in new taxes. That is not affordability, that’s a government that keeps coming back to taxpayers for more.
Illinois House Republicans held a Tax Day press conference at the Capitol Wednesday morning.
Attached are comments from three Republican members:
Rep. Tom Weber – Lake Villa – Illinoisans are suffering under ever increasing cost to live in Illinois
Rep. Steve Reick – Woodstock – The issue we have in Illinois is not one of revenue, there’s plenty of revenue. The issue is one of priorities and spending.
Rep. Joe Sosnowski – Rockford – The governor is not winning any awards for running a good economy or a good state